Mike Mazzalongo 7 Habits of Highly Effective Christians, Ministers, Elders and Deacons 3 Effective Deacons

Stephen: A Deacon’s Template

Now at this time while the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint arose on the part of the Hellenistic Jews against the native Hebrews, because their widows were being overlooked in the daily serving of food. - Acts 6:1

2 So the twelve summoned the congregation of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable for us to neglect the word of God in order to serve tables. 3 Therefore, brethren, select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task. - Acts 6:2-3

4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” 5 The statement found approval with the whole congregation; and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit - Acts 6:4-5a

Effective Deacons are… 1.Spiritually Minded

Effective Deacons are… 1.Spiritually Minded 2.Effective Workers

The word of God kept on spreading; and the number of the disciples continued to increase greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were becoming obedient to the faith. - Acts 6:7

The task is what’s important not the title.

Effective Deacons are… 1.Spiritually Minded 2.Effective Workers 3.Submitting to Leadership

And Stephen, full of grace and power, was performing great wonders and signs among the people. - Acts 6:8

Effective Deacons are… 1.Spiritually Minded 2.Effective Workers 3.Submitting to Leadership 4.Developing their skills

9 But some men from what was called the Synagogue of the Freedmen, including both Cyrenians and Alexandrians, and some from Cilicia and Asia, rose up and argued with Stephen. 10 But they were unable to cope with the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking. - Acts 6:9-10

Effective Ministry Pattern A.Learn a job B.Teach another your job C.Learn a new job D.Repeat the cycle

Effective Deacons are… 1.Spiritually Minded 2.Effective Workers 3.Submitting to Leadership 4.Developing their skills 5.Takes criticism well

11 Then they secretly induced men to say, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and against God.” 12 And they stirred up the people, the elders and the scribes, and they came up to him and dragged him away and brought him before the Council. - Acts 6:11-12

13 They put forward false witnesses who said, “This man incessantly speaks against this holy place and the Law; 14 for we have heard him say that this Nazarene, Jesus, will destroy this place and alter the customs which Moses handed down to us.” 15 And fixing their gaze on him, all who were sitting in the Council saw his face like the face of an angel. - Acts 6:13-15

Effective Deacons are… 1.Spiritually Minded 2.Effective Workers 3.Submitting to Leadership 4.Developing their skills 5.Takes criticism well 6.Studying the Word – Acts 7:1-53

Bible study and service are not mutually exclusive

Knowing the Word well is what enables a deacon to serve well.

Effective Deacons are… 1.Spiritually Minded 2.Effective Workers 3.Submitting to Leadership 4.Developing their skills 5.Takes criticism well 6.Studying the Word 7.Relying on God

54 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the quick, and they began gnashing their teeth at him. 55 But being full of the Holy Spirit, he gazed intently into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God; - Acts 7:54-55

56 and he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened up and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” 57 But they cried out with a loud voice, and covered their ears and rushed at him with one impulse. 58 When they had driven him out of the city, they began stoning him; and the witnesses laid aside their robes at the feet of a young man named Saul. - Acts 7:56-58

59 They went on stoning Stephen as he called on the Lord and said, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!” 60 Then falling on his knees, he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them!” Having said this, he fell asleep. - Acts 7:59-60

Deacons serve in the strength of the Lord, not their own.

Stephen’s Rewards: Honor From God Confidence Before God

Summary: Effective Deacons… Spiritually Minded Conscientious Service Submit to Leaders Develop Their Skills Humble Before Criticism Trust the Lord